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Travel Documentation

Do Not Wait Until The Last Minute to Get Your Documentation!

Because of poor planning, you may delay your trip for several weeks or take an out-of-the-way trip to Chicago.

The Passport

Passports are issued by the U.S. government to U.S. citizens (or your own government, if you’re a citizen of another country). Applications are available from the local post office.

Important!

Be sure to make two photocopies of the inside front cover of your passport: leave one with someone at home and take the other copy with you (kept separate from your actual passport) in case your passport is lost or stolen abroad. You may also want to take your birth certificate (the original or a certified copy, not just a Xerox!) with you as proof of ID in case your passport is stolen. The Center for Media Production’s Photo Services, C109 Seashore Hall, offers official passport photos, as do several businesses in downtown Iowa City.

The Visa

A visa is permission from a foreign government to apply for entry at the border, and can be obtained from foreign consulates in the U.S. or in other countries. They are issued for specific purposes, such as work, travel, tourism, or study. Even if you are only planning to travel for a short time, some countries require a visa stamped in your passport—particularly if you’re traveling in Asia or Latin America. Inquire ahead!

In most cases, study abroad programs only provide information about visas—it is often your responsibility to get the visa from the appropriate consulate. Some advice about consulates: GIVE YOURSELF TIME AND ALWAYS BE FRIENDLY TO THE STAFF! Consulates are not open for very many hours each day and are often short-staffed. In addition, national holidays result in consulate closings.

Residence Permits

This is permission to remain in another country for an extended period. Some study abroad programs will assist participants with the paperwork necessary to obtain a residence permit, but be prepared to take care of this on your own at a police station or city government office when you reach your host country.

Emergency Processing

If you have left things to the last minute, it is possible to apply for an expedited passport. If you are applying for a renewal passport and your previous passport was issued when you were 16 years old or over, you may do this through the mail.

However, if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time (or if you are applying for a renewal and your previous passport was issued when you were under 16), you must apply in person at a U.S. passport agency. Applying for an expedited passport involves an extra $60 fee (in addition to the routine service fee of $85).

For more information, contact the USPS Passport Agent at the Iowa City Post Office, 400 S. Clinton St., (319) 354-1560.

Passport Agencies

It is also possible to use the services of an agency. For a fee, the agency will handle your applications and help you obtain a passport and visas quickly. It all depends on proof of departure date and is practical only for truly last minute cases.